Arlene's Bags

Welcome to my blog!!!!
Here is where I'll post updates to my site, arlenesbags.com, my etsy shop and to post comments on my experiences, both hits & misses, with sewing patterns I have used. Finally, here in my little corner of the net, I have a place to shamelessly blather on & on about sewing .

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Recently I saw posts on Pinterest for Soup Bowl Cozies. At 1st, I wasn't interested but the idea started to grow on me given the # of times I have fumbled trying to remove a hot bowl of soup from the microwave. So, yesterday I decided to make a couple. Well, I just love these things! And I think their uses are many.
Last night I discovered the Soup Bowl Cozy is also good to use when holding something cold. I used one last night to hold a bowl of yogurt. My hands never got cold holding the bowl!

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Today I finished the Phebe Tote Bag. The bag has an outside front zippered pocket which makes for easy access to a phone & keys. The fully lined inside has a zippered pocket on one side & 3 slip-in pockets on the opposite side. The bag has a recessed top zipper closure.
The Phebe Bag measures 11" across the bottom & widens to 13" across the top. The depth is 3.5". The shoulder strap drop is 12".
I used a light burgundy vinyl for the bag. The vinyl was a nightmare to sew! I think I will stick to cloth from now on! I do plan to make more Phebe Bags because I really the bag.
Pattern from Dog Under My Desk

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Yesterday I finished another Jack Dog Walking/Across the Chest Bag. For the exterior, I used the gorgeous Hannah prequilted fabric & its coordinate for the adjustable across-the-chest strap.
The rear exterior has a divided split pocket similar to the other Jack Bags I posted about in the last few weeks.
I think a photo of our 4 month old Jack might be a good thing!

Saturday, September 30, 2017

Recently I finished another 'Jack' Zip & Go Bag. I used a heather-toned blue faux leather for the exterior & a travel-themed cotton lining. I also enlarged the bag by 1 inch from side to side to better accommodate eyeglass cases & cell phones.
This bag is perfect for hands-free shopping, etc. I wear mine at work so I always have easy access to my glasses & cell phone.
Jack Bags also make great dog walking bags. The bag is also available with an exterior rear split pocket which can be used to store doggy wastebags, hand sanitizer, & dog treats.

Saturday, March 4, 2017

Last weekend my nephew John's wife Jennifer, a very avid knitter, suggested I start making knitting project bags. Jen said she liked knitting project bags that she can toss in a larger bag because she doesn't want to carry 2 bags.
So, in pretty fast order, after some research & paying attention to Jen's suggestions, I made a few Jennifer Knitting Project Bags.
The zippered pouch style can be adjusted to hold various knitting projects. Per my friend Barbara 's suggestion, the pouch style includes a small case to hold things like a tape measure, scissors✂, stitch markers, etc. The strap is optional.
The handled bag is ideal for knitting/crocheting & walking at the same time. Just slip the handle over the wrist, pull out some yarn & start knitting or crocheting! The bag has a magnetic closure. It can be made about 1 inch larger all around. It has an outside pocket to hold small tools.

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

The Ellie Sling Pack is the newest bag at Arlene's Bags. The designer, Cloudsplitter Bags, describes the bag as "the perfect bag for someone on the go! Great little backpack/sling bag for day trips, biking, walking, vacations, and more!

The Summit has two zippered compartments for convenience. The front zipper has card slots and a pocket within. The central compartment has a padded gadget pocket and a zipper pocket. The back of the bag has an additional zippered pocket."
Dimensions: Approximately 16.25” tall x 11.25”tall x 3”deep (at widest points)

About Me

I started sewing in high school. It didn't take long for sewing to become an obsession. I loved knowing I was wearing something totally mine and that I wouldn't be seeing another outfit like mine ANYWHERE!
I started sewing handbags when a friend suggested I sew a bag from a pattern she and several of her friends had used and liked. Never did I expect another obsession to start as a result of making that one bag. Then someone asked to buy a bag I had made!
I sold my 1st bag in 2001 and I have been making bags ever since. I offer people the chance to have a bag that is totally their own. People can choose fabric and have me adjust a bag design just the way they want it.
In 2009 I started selling some of my fabrics on etsy. That has been a slow but ongoing process.
In the meantime, as a retired teacher, I also tutor at a local university 4 days a week.